For many of our residents, being a life-long learner is an essential part of who they are. Helping to feed this hunger for knowledge shapes many of our programs. A great example of this is our partnership with the University of California Retiree Learning Series. In May residents across all of our communities will participate in a lecture by distinguished UC Berkeley Professor Emeritus Richard A. Walker about the New Deal and our nation’s history of public works.  In June, a panel of local experts will provide a real estate reality check to separate fact from fiction about the current housing market. Across all our events, our goal is to support different interests and inspire great conversations. Add to that local programs, exercise offerings, cultural events, and community interest activities, and a well-rounded, involved life at our communities is easy to achieve.

As the world around us begins to slowly open up, the science of socialization and involvement is top of mind. The past year has been difficult and frustrating, but it’s also demonstrated the creativity of Covia residents and our staff when it comes to staying involved and connected. Thanks to the vaccine, we’re looking forward to the days when the pandemic is in the rearview mirror and more of what we can do can be in person. But the reality is, involvement is really a sort of “booster” to the important role of engagement in healthy aging. Here are some interesting facts worth sharing:

According to the CDC, the link between an active lifestyle and involvement is directly tied to our overall physical and mental health. This only increases as we age.

The CDC also reports that learning or getting involved in a new activity provides a form of “insurance” against memory loss. While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, staying active and eager to learn is the best preventive care you can find.

Even now, one of the most common phrases we hear from residents is, “I wish I’d moved in sooner.” The opportunities across our communities to get involved and connected is a key reason for that. Most of our residents have lived active lives full of social events, raising families, volunteer activities, meaningful careers, and varied interests.

The stereotype that a senior living community is for those who are slowing down couldn’t be further from the truth, and our residents demonstrate that every day.

As we begin to move towards a post-pandemic world, there’s no better time to get involved. Join us for one of our upcoming lectures. Or come visit one of our communities. We’d love to be part of that journey with you, and to continue to provide the very best in senior living lifestyle options that we truly believe are second-to-none!

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Currently serving as Professor of Social Welfare and Public Policy at UCLA, Director of the UCLA Center for Policy Research on Aging, and an Adjunct Professor of Gerontology at USC, Dr. Torres-Gil was born and raised in Salinas, the son of migrant farm workers and one of nine children. After contracting polio at the age of 6 months, he spent much of his childhood in and out of hospitals. In an interview with the American Society on Aging, Torres-Gil reports, “I credit this experience with my educational success; I would return after long absences from mainstream K–12 schooling and I was always ahead of my fellow students because of receiving home-schooling, personalized attention and mentoring. My mother fought the school district to keep me with the ‘normal’ kids, saying, ‘There is nothing wrong with his mind, only his legs.’”

Dr. Torres-Gil has a distinguished background in public service. He advised three separate presidential administrations on the topics of aging and disability and he currently co-chairs the National Academy of Science’s Forum on Aging, Disability and Independence. In 2013, he received the John W. Gardner Legacy of Leadership Award from the White House Fellows Foundation and Association.

“I remember when I first looked him up before taking him on a tour of the community, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh! Can I just be myself when I meet him?’” says Jody O’Connell, Director of Sales and Marketing for Canterbury Woods. But when she met him, “He is so laid back and so engaging. What he’s about is just amazing, but as a person, he’s just one of us.”

“He is passionate about the fourth quarter in life,” says O’Connell. For his presentation, Dr. Torres-Gil will discuss smart aging, current trends, retirement options, and supportive systems. Those who attend will have the opportunity to learn about developing a longevity plan and more.

O’Connell is thrilled with the partnership Canterbury Woods is developing with Torres-Gil. “He loves that we’re a non-profit and our whole purpose,” she says. She hopes this event will demonstrate how living in a community like Canterbury Woods can be part of a successful longevity plan. “Medicine is something, but quality of life and how to live your fourth quarter – this is it. People are doing it right here.”

Space for the event is extremely limited. Please contact Jody O’Connell to reserve your spot at 831-657-4224 or jo’connell@covia.org.

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“The energy of the day was truly remarkable,” says Katharine Miller, Executive Director of the Covia Foundation. “We couldn’t do this without the enthusiasm and involvement of the many people who partner with Covia to promote life-changing services for seniors.”

Over 200 corporate and individual participants, including our title sponsor City Building, Inc., supported the event. The sold-out golf tournament on the cool and sunny course provided scenic bay views throughout the day. Mike Acosta, Vince Baldwin, Steve Baldwin, and Bob Giarusso won the tournament in a playoff against Barry Johnson, Jenny Noymany, Mark Marshall, and John Durham.

The evening auction, hosted by Liam Meyclem from KCBS’ Eye on the Bay, provided its own entertainment as participants tried to outbid each other for a Farm to City Private Dinner at San Francisco Towers or an evening with Covia CEO Kevin Gerber. The auction raised more than $80,000, with almost half coming from fund-a-need bidding to support Covia Community Services and Covia Affordable Communities as attendees learned the stories of seniors whose lives have been touched by Covia through a video created for the event.

For going above and beyond in their service to seniors and senior living, and their generous support to Covia over the years, the team from Morrison Community Living was the recipient of this year’s Celtic Cup.

“It was a successful event,” says Miller. “But more importantly, the funds we raised make a difference, ensuring that seniors have a safe home and remain connected with the greater community. We’re grateful for the generosity of all who attended.”

You can see photos of the event in an album on our Facebook page.

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You can register for full day of golf, plus a cocktail reception, gala dinner and an exciting live auction for $325, or come for the reception and dinner for $175.

Can’t join us for the event? Your gift has a life-changing impact on low-income and isolated seniors. Your contribution will directly support Covia’s Affordable Senior Housing and Community Services programs. 100% of your gift will be put to use in providing services.

More details on the Celtic Cup are available at www.celticcup.org. To learn more about the work of the Covia Foundation, please visit covia.org/foundation.

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